Sunday 1 August 2010

'KNIT NATION' BEEN AND GONE.....





Well, Josiekitten and I have been there and back and had a fabulous time. We travelled up to London early on Friday morning and returned late last night, although it definitely felt as though we had been there for much longer. The event was taking place at Imperial College, in South Kensington; an area of London we know quite well. We stayed in the Imperial Halls of Residence, just opposite the college, so nver far to go for another 'woolly fix'!!!!!

The 'Marketplace' was awash with vibrant colour. The booths had all been beautifully set up and it was difficult to know where to begin. Well, no, that's not strictly true. We had decided to head straight for the 'Wollmeise' booth, bearing in mind that the yarn is so sought after at present. We were certainly not disappointed! Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness! Just take a look at this ........


Every colour and variation!


Needless to say, we made several return visits to fondle and purchase.

It was very busy during the main part of the day, but we managed to stroll around with a little more ease in the early evening, after our class had finished.


We took part in two classes. The first, was with Anne Hanson, improving our finishing techniques. Mattress stitch is the way forward! I'll let you know next week, when I've finished sewing up the little stripey cardi for Sophie.


   

On Saturday we found ourselves learning some new sock knitting techniques with Yarnissima. We were using Magic Loop, but neither Josiekitten nor myself, could see ourselves continuing with this method. Judy's Magic Cast-on got us going and then we worked through on our own, with help from Marjan Hammink when necessary.


I guess you'd like to see Snoopydog's purchases. I took the decision to have a 'blow out', as much of the yarn on sale was not easily obtainable, especially the Wollmeise. You ready?


Let's open those bags!


I think this little lot should keep me going for the next two years..... until the next 'Knit Nation', hopefully! The two hardback books were a free gift for taking out a one year subscription to 'Knitting' magazine. It was being offered at a reduced rate, with no obligation to continue after a year. I'm not normally a fan of magazines, but this one did look worth a go.

The Wollmeise yarn is absoluely gorgeous. I bought some 100% merino and some 80% merino mix, which is a little stronger for sock knitting. Just look at the colours!


We really liked the beautiful natural dyes used by Renaissance yarns, who are based in France.


These were a must have too! The grey skein from the 'Natural Dye Studio' is pure silk. It's just so unbelievably soft! I love Amanda's dyeing. I'm also a great fan of the 'Skein Queen' and  'Easy Knits'. Both dyers produce fabulous colourways! 'Juno Fibre Arts' was a new find and WOW what a find!


I picked up these cute little buttons too. I guess they will end up on a cardi or a little dress for Sophie.


I needed some new stitch markers!


Well that's about it! I'm stashed for at least the next two years!!!!!!!!

I'll just leave you with a few snaps taken of the area as we strolled out to find food on Saturday evening.


Think I need to go and start knitting down my stash now! See you next week.

24 comments:

Posy Linda said...

Wonderful --- it looks like you had a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing all of those goodies!

Kathy said...

Oh my goodness what a woolfest!!!
The colours are wonderful - and so many purchases! Looks like you had a great weekend!
Plenty of time for knitting now - no school tomorrow!
Love Kathy xxx

Clicky Needles said...

Looks like you had super time. I am jealous!

Helsie said...

Lovely colours! You are going to have fun with the. Now all you have to do is decide what to make . Very exciting.
Cheers
Helen

Jennyff said...

Wow, what a time you had and those purchases are just brilliant. I knew you'd shop but that is above and beyond the call of duty. Wonderful to be starting your summer holiday with so much wool potential.

kate said...

Love your pictures, so saturated with colour! Great yarn selections :)

Those stitch markers are perfect, very nice.

Aussie Maria said...

Wowweee!!! My heads spinning from the colour shock

Wyatt said...

You must have been beside yourself with glee! That's how we feel at plant sales and garden shows! One of these days, we want to go to the Chelsea Flower Show.

Happy Knitting,
Wyatt's Mom

josiekitten said...

Oh what a great time we had! What are you going to cast on first, I wonder?! And where, oh where are you going to secrete all that new yarn?!!!

bellaboo said...

WoW! Knitters heaven!LOVE those cute buttons.

Bellaboo ;o)

French Nanny said...

I think you have the wrong link for Renaissance - it goes to a US firm. Renaissance Dyeing (here in France) is actually

http://www.renaissancedyeing.com/

Molly the Airedale said...

ooooooooooooooh, look at all of that gorgeous yarn! We know you'll be having oodles of fun!
Love the cute little buttons!

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Looks like you had a great time and certainly lots of shopping.
So much lovely wool.. can hardly wait to see what you create.
Susan x

Tracy said...

WOW... I could just cry... looks/sounds like knitting heaven...*SWOON*... So many treats you picked up... LOVE that grey silk. And those stitch markers are fun. And LOVE all the great colored skein--feel happy just looking at all that goodness! Thanks for sharing the grand experience, Ros. Happy Knitting :o) ((HUGS))

Lyn said...

All that yarny goodness! what a wonderful time you had, I bet you didn't know where to look next!
Greatt colours, I love putting things in colours!
love
Lyn
xxx

Lynne said...

Oooohh! I'm so jealous! It looks like you had a fab time, and what a haul of goodies!

Dawn said...

Sounds like woolly heaven - I am a bit jealous!

Karin said...

Wool paradise!
You must be very happy!

Stadtwaldvogel said...

Wow, it must have been a great trip! I am so jealous! Can't wait to see what you will make with your new yarn.
Love, Julia

Jacqueline said...

The colours are amazing, so much choice, I wouldn't know where to start.

fromsophiesview said...

I began looking at the first picture and couldn't get passed it....the colours are out of this world...munch munch I could just eat them up. Love this!

melissa said...

amazing parade of colors! what a feast for the eyes! i so enjoyed looking at all your pictures - it must have been a wonderful wonderful time!!

oh and i love juno fibre arts too - i discovered her on etsy a while back, such gorgeous colors at such reasonable prices! did you get to meet asti in person?

Kate said...

It looks like an absolute and utter dream. Thank you so much for sharing your photos with us.

Sarah said...

What beautiful colours! I think you were quite restrained really, considering the choice you had!